Connecticut State Rep. Proposes Upping the Sales Tax on Ammo to 50% As a 'Public Health Measure'

Connecticut state Rep. Jillian Gilchrest is defending a bill she’s proposed in the state legislature that would increase the state sales tax on ammunition to 50 percent, claiming the move is a “prevention” and “public health measure” to keep people from buying ammo and thereby decreasing “gun violence.”

Because apparently, only the wealthy deserve the ability to protect themselves.

“We see this as a public health measure, similar to chat we’ve done in the state of Connecticut to increase the tax on cigarettes. When we increased that tax, we’ve seen a reduction in use,” Gilchrest said in a video posted to Twitter Monday.

“We want to continue Connecticut’s legacy of being a leader in preventing an addressing gun violence, and we see this as another step in that direction,” she added.

I’ve introduced HB 5700, a 50% tax increase on ammunition. It doesn’t apply to military or law enforcement. I’m hearing push back about the need to protect one's home... but how much ammunition does someone really need to do that? #gunsense#enoughpic.twitter.com/NZjkWBrpjC

In addition to the video, Gilchrest posted a caption to her mini-explainer that reads, "I’m hearing push back about the need to protect one's home... but how much ammunition does someone really need to do that?"

Of course, Gilchrest doesn’t bother to address the fact that her measure would likely do nothing to stop violent crime (what gang-banger's or mass shooter's plans were ever stymied by the prices at their local Bass Pro?) while at the same time disproportionately impacting the ability of poor or middle-class people to purchase ammo.

But, if it’s any consolation, Gilchrest does note that her tax wouldn’t apply to law enforcement or to members of the U.S. military (though it’s not entirely clear why, if they’re buying ammo for private use, but whatever).

While she’s at it, I’d like to buy Ms. Gilchrest a dictionary – free of charge, including tax – so she can look up the definition of “infringed.”

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